Volunteers help Bridgeport youths learn to fish

Youngsters from Bridgeport are learning to fish thanks to a collaboration among Nutmeg TU, the Aspetuck Land Trust, the DEEP’s Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education program and the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club of Bridgeport.

DEEP and Nutmeg TU Volunteers met with 20 campers at the Fairfield Avenue facility on Monday, July 18, for a classroom session. Enthusiastic campers, some of whom had fished before, were taught about the different fish in Connecticut, different ways to catch them, and knots. The campers had a blast casting for plastic bass in the gym.

Plans for the day included a trip to Beardsley Park in Bridgeport to try their luck, but lightning and rain postponed any outdoors excursions, which postponed until Friday, July 23. Ten campers were able to try their luck at Beardsley Park.

Despite only a few campers catching, everyone was excited to be out in the fresh air and being able to put their new casting skills to work.

Nutmeg TU would like this to be make this an annual or regular event. If you are interested in helping us reach more young people and turn them into anglers, let us know.

Thanks to the support of David Ader, Reggie Saint Fortcolin, Gary Anderson, Jack Kovach, Ed Grzeda, the DEEP CARE summer interns and the Wakeman staff, Laura and Melissa, for making this happen.